First sponsored in 1958, National Library Week is a national observance sponsored by the American Library Association (ALA) and libraries across the country each April. It is recognized as a time to celebrate the contributions of our nation's libraries and librarians, and to promote library use and support. All types of libraries -school, public, academic and special - participate.

“There’s more to the library than just a space and one can truly be transformed by utilizing the space and the services of the library not only for one’s academics, but for one’s personal lives,” said Sophia Sotilleo, an assistant professor and access services librarian at the library.

Named for one of Lincoln University’s most famous graduates, the celebrated poet, novelist and playwright Langston Hughes ’29, who bequeathed his personal library to the university in 1967, the library contains more than 185,000 volumes, databases containing more than 30,000 journal titles, extensive materials representing all aspects of the black experience, including African-American and African materials. There are also areas for microforms, periodicals, computer labs, reading lounges, individual and group study rooms, special collections and the University archives.

The Libraries Transform poster contest winners:

First place - Chineye Onukwugha received a $30 Wal-Mart gift card;

Second place – Madison Washington received a $20 Wal-Mart gift card; and

Third place – Tamara Greene and Deborah Roseboro received a $15 Wal-Mart gift card.

All participants, including the additional three unranked entrants received a $10 McDonald’s gift card.

Judges included Carey Bressler, director of Oxford Public Library and Christina Kerns, associate professor of Visual and Performing Arts at Lincoln.